73 QL is j Kentucky Warbler ublished by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 57 FEBRUARY, 1981 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE PAST AND PRESENT STATUS OF THE RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER ON THE DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST, KENTUCKY, Jeffrey E. Schmaltz 3 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT, 1980-81, H. E. Shadowen 8 THE FALL MIGRATION SEASON, 1980, Anne L. Stamm 18 BOOK REVIEW: BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE, by Michael Lee Bierly, (Reviewed by F. W. Loetscher) 25 FIELD NOTES 25 NEWS AND VIEWS 28 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President Ramon lies, Owensboro Vice-President Pierre Allaire, Jackson Corr. Sec.-Treasurer John Krull 1108 Whetstone Way, Louisville, Ky. 40223 Recording Secretary Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle Councillors: Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 1979-1981 Barry Howard, Pineville 1979-1981 James Williams, Lexington 1980-1982 L. E. Wilson, Owensboro 1980-1982 Retiring President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $5.00; Contributing, $6.00; Student, $3.00; Life, $75.00; Family $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ.. Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The photograph of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker was taken by Ted Beckett. 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 3 PAST AND PRESENT STATUS OF THE RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER ON THE DANIEL BOONE NATIONAL FOREST, KENTUCKY Jeffrey E. Schmaltz INTRODUCTION The Daniel Boone National Forest in southeastern Kentucky contains the northernmost interior population of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis). The first published record of this bird on the National Forest was from Laurel County in 1939 (Mengel 1939, 1940). Mengel (1948, 1965) observed their continued presence in this county and added records for other parts of the National Forest: McCreary, Powell, Pulaski, Whitley, and Wolfe counties. Interest in this bird was renewed in Kentucky during the 1970’s after it was placed on the federal Endangered Species List. In 1974, members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society searched unsuccessfully for this woodpecker near Cumberland Falls (Schneider 1974). A year later, A. L. Whitt reported to the Society that a former student of his had located two cavity trees in the Beaver Creek area of McCreary County (Kingslover 1975). In 1976, Dr. J. A. Jackson, leader of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker recovery team, visited Kentucky with two of his colleagues and reported observations of six Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and three cavity trees in Laurel County (Jackson et al. 1976). Since that time, U.S. Forest Service personnel, and other interested persons, have located a number of additional Red-cockaded Woodpecker colonies on the Daniel Boone National Forest. The purpose of this paper is to report on the status of all these colonies in 1980 and to provide what information is available on their past history. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the following people who led or directed me to the cavity trees and/or provided additional informa- tion: Chester Stevens of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; Bobbie Joe Corder and Calvin Terry of the Kentucky Division of Forestry; Eugene Brown, Ralph Costa, Albert Freeland, demon Garri- son, Kermit Hale, Donald Inks, Joe Kennedy, and Edith Petrick of the U.S. Forest Service; Dr. Robert Mengel of the University of Kansas; Jackie Elmore of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. METHODS Cavity trees were judged to be active or inactive according to the cri- teria of Jackson (1977) and Hooper et al. (1980). Trees judged to be active were watched during the last hour before sunset in an attempt to observe the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers when they returned to roost. Cavity trees as far apart as 1.5 km. (0.9 mi.) were considered to belong to the same colony rather than to two separate colonies. This conservative approach was used because of the low density of cavity trees on the National Forest. Colonies are identified by the number (s) of the Forest Service admin- istrative compartment (s) in which they are located. 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 RESULTS To date, eleven Red-cockaded Woodpecker colonies have been located on the Daniel Boone National Forest. Six colonies were active in 1980, two were inactive in 1980 but had known activity within the past two years, and three were inactive with no known recent activity. Detailed information on these colonies is provided below. Colony 4055/4062 is located in the Cold Hill Road area of Laurel County. It consists of two cavity trees 0.9 km. (0.5 mi.) apart. The first tree is the one reported by Jackson et al. (1976) as a start hole in June of 1976. This cavity was completed and was active between that time and 1979 (E. Brown, D. Inks pers. comm.). On June 13 and July 8 of 1980, this tree appeared inactive. However, on August 4 this tree showed red bark and fresh sap where several new resin wells had been started. The second tree was a start hole begun in the summer of 1978 (D. Inks pers. comm.). On July 8 of 1980 it was a completed cavity with all the signs of current activity. The lack of old, dried sap indicates that it was probably completed this year. On the evenings of July 27 and 29, I observed at least two birds near this tree which sounded and behaved like Red-cockaded Woodpeckers but because of their wariness I was unable to make a positive visual identification. Colony 4,061 is located in the Cold Hill Road area of Laurel County. It consists of one active cavity tree and several start holes 0.5 km. (0.3 mi.) to the northwest. I observed one Red-cockaded Woodpecker at the cavity tree on the evening of June 17, 1980. Colony 4077/4080 is located along Kentucky Route 192 in Laurel County. It consists of two cavity trees 0.5 km. (0.3 mi.) apart. These are two of the trees described by Jackson et al. (1976). This colony is in the “area of eight square miles” where Mengel (1940, 1948, 1965, pers. comm.) repeatedly observed Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. The westernmost tree has had a cavity in it since at least the early 1950’s (K. Hale pers. comm.). It appeared inactive in 1980. The easternmost tree appears active with copious amounts of fresh sap. Jackson and his colleagues observed five Red-cockaded Woodpeckers here, including one fledgling, in June of 1976. E. Brown (pers. comm.) saw one just north of the colony site in 1978. Larson (1979) reported seeing two adults feeding nestlings at the easternmost tree in July of 1979. J. Elmore (pers. comm.) observed one Red-cockaded Wood- pecker in this colony on February 24 and two on March 8, 1980. He saw no activity on June 11 and 29, 1980. I visited this colony during the day on June 13, and July 8, and August 4 and in the evening of June 16, 1980 but saw no woodpeckers. Nevertheless, I consider this colony active based on the winter observations of the birds and the condition of the eastern- most cavity tree. Colony 5032 is located south of Mt. Victory in Pulaski County. It con- sists of three cavity trees. One cavity tree contained a brood of Red- cockaded Woodpeckers this year. The second cavity tree, 90 m. (280 ft.) to the north, is inactive. The third tree, 340 m. (1,120 ft.) to the south of the nest tree, has had a cavity in it for about ten years but has been dead now for two years (C. Garrison pers. comm.). The cavities in these two in- 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 active trees have been enlarged by Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus). Cavity trees in this colony were first noticed in the winter of 1943-4 (K. Hale pers. comm.). Mengel (1965, pers. comm.) reported Red- cockaded Woodpeckers from this portion of Pulaski County. I observed two adults feeding nestlings in the active tree on May 30 and June 12, 1980. By June 16 the young had apparently fledged as I observed only one adult in the colony and there were no cries from the cavity as there had been on previous visits. Colony 5050 is located just north of the Beaver Creek Wilderness Area in McCreary County. It consists of one active tree and one inactive tree separated by 190 m. (620 ft.). C. Stevens and E. Brown (pers. comm.) observed a brood in the cavity of the active tree in 1978. I observed two adults feeding nestlings in this cavity on June 4, 11, and 12, 1980. By June 16 the young had apparently fledged as I observed no activity at the tree. Colony 6061 is located east of Whitley City in McCreary County. It consists of six cavity trees at the end of a ridge in an area about 65 by 25 m. (220 by 80 ft.). The six trees have a total of eleven cavities, in- cluding start holes and enlarged cavities. R. Costa (pers. comm.) observed three Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in this colony on July 23, 1978. In August of 1978, Pileated Woodpeckers enlarged many of the cavities in this colony which apparently drove the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers out for a time. They returned in 1980, or before, as evidenced by a new cavity tree and fresh start holes on two of the old cavity trees. On the evenings of July 18 and 24, I observed at least two birds in this colony which sounded and behaved like Red-cockaded Woodpeckers but because of their wariness I was unable to make a positive visual identification. Colony 4026 is located east of Cumberland Falls in Whitley County. It consists of a single cavity tree which was inactive in 1980. Mengel (1965, pers. comm.) reported Red-cockaded Woodpeckers from this locality in 1948. K. Hale (pers. comm.) first noticed this cavity as a start hole in 1974. When he saw it again in 1979 it was a completed cavity and appeared to be active that year. Colony 6033 is located north of Whitley City in McCreary County. It consists of three cavity trees located at the end of a ridge, and one at the foot of the cliff, in an area about 150 by 35 m. (500 by 110 ft.). The four trees have a total of eight cavities, including start holes and enlarged cavities. R. Costa (pers. comm.) observed one Red-cockaded Woodpecker in this colony in the spring of 1979. All the trees appeared to be inactive in 1980. Colony 4056 is located in the Cold Hill Road area of Laurel County. It consists of one cavity tree with no history of known activity. Colony 4060 is located in the Cold Hill Road area of Laurel County. It consists of one cavity tree with no history of known activity. Colony 5061 is located in the Beaver Creek Wilderness Area in Mc- Creary County. It consists of two cavity trees 1.5 km. (0.9 mi.) apart. Neither tree has a history of known activity. 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 DISCUSSION The number of known Red-cockaded Woodpecker colonies on the Daniel Boone National Forest has increased recently because Forest Service per- sonnel and other interested people have been looking for cavity trees, not because of an actual increase in the number of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. At present, all of these known colonies are from the four southernmost counties of the National Forest — Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, and Whitley — and all are on federal land. Undoubtedly, as time goes on more colonies will be discovered in this area, on both public and private land. In the northern part of the National Forest, Mengel (1965, pers. comm.) re- corded only one observation each in Powell and Wolfe counties and he considered this species less numerous and less generally distributed there. Suitable habitat still exists in the northern counties of the National Forest and it is remotely possible that Red-cockaded Woodpeckers may yet be re- discovered there. It is difficult to determine past population levels of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker on the National Forest, and thus difficult to accurately judge whether the population is increasing, stable, or decreasing. Mengel (1965) considers the Red-cockaded Woodpecker “uncommon to fairly common locally” referring to his repeated observations of clans in specific localities, most of which are near colonies active today. Jackson et al. (1976) based their conclusion of a reduced population level on the circumstantial evidence of clear-cutting and “short rotation forestry”. It may be that the number of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers on the Daniel Boone National Forest has always been low and has not changed significantly over the past few dec- ades. The status of all colonies will be monitored each year to provide in- formation which will help answer this question. The U.S. Forest Service is taking a number of steps to insure that the Red-cockaded Woodpecker does not disappear from Kentucky. The location of each cavity tree is mapped, and a 60 m. (200 ft.) buffer zone is marked with paint around each colony. Only logging activity which will benefit the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers is allowed within the buffer zone. Thinning, removing about every other tree, creates the more open forest preferred by these birds. Several trees in a small group may be removed to allow a new generation of pines to start. These trees will grow to be large enough for cavities by the time present cavity trees begin to die of old age. Hand tools and prescribed fire are used to create and maintain an open understory near the cavity trees. This work in the colony sites is done outside of the breeding season. Timber removals are planned so that there will be adequate acreage of foraging habitat — pine and pine- hardwood forest over 20 years old — adjacent to the colony sites. The Daniel Boone National Forest is managed on an 80-year rotation, so the woodpeckers have adequate older pines in which to excavate cavities. Jackson (1976) notes that he found Red-cockaded Woodpecker colonies frequently located adjacent to roads and other openings. Of 26 cavity trees on the National Forest, seven were located near roads and one faced a powerline right-of-way. In addition, 16 trees were located adjacent to cliff lines, six directly below cliffs and 10 on ridge tips. This affinity for cliff lines may be related to the openness of the habitat or to a higher incidence of heart rot infections of pine trees on these poorer sites. 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 The Forest Service would appreciate any additional information on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker on the Daniel Boone National Forest. Con- tact Eugene Brown, U.S. Forest Service, 100 Vaught Road, Winchester, KY 40391, phone: 607-744-5656. LITERATURE CITED Hooper, R. G., A. F. Robinson, Jr., and J. A. Jackson. 1980. The Red- Cockaded Woodpecker: Notes on Life History and Management. USD A Forest Service. SE Area, State and Private Forestry. Gen. Report. SA-GR-9. 8 p. Jackson, J. A. 1976. Rights-of-Way Management for an Endangered Species. Proc. Symp. Environmental Concerns in Rights-of-Way Management. Miss. State Univ. Jan. 6-8, 1976. p. 247-252. Jackson, J. A. 1977. Determination of the Status of Red-Cockaded Wood- pecker Colonies. J. Wildl. Manage. 41:448-452. Jackson, J. A., R. Weeks, and P. Shindala. 1976. The Present Status and Future of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers in Kentucky. Kentucky Warbler 52:75-80. Kingsolver, V. 1975. Kentucky Ornithological Society Fifty-second An- nual Fall Meeting. Kentucky Warbler 51:77-79. Larson, E. 1979. A Follow-up of Nesting Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers in Laurel County. Kentucky Warbler 55:67. Mengel, R. M. 1939. Summer Records from Cumberland National Forest. Kentucky Warbler 15:45-48. Mengel, R. M. 1940. Notes from Eastern Kentucky. Auk. 57:424. Mengel, R. M. 1948. Some Records of Importance to Kentucky Ornithology. Kentucky Warbler 24:49-54. Mengel, R. M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky, Amer. Ornith. Union Monogr. No. 3. Schneider, E. J. 1947. Kentucky Ornithological Society Fifty-first Annual Fall Meeting. Kentucky Warbler 50:53-55. — U.S. Forest Service, Daniel Boone National Forest, Somerset Ranger District, Somerset, KY 42501. (present address: OCS, Naval Education and Training Center, New- port, RI 02840). Ed. note: A factual and well-illustrated Forest Service report entitled THE RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER: NOTES ON LIFE HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT by Hooper, Robinson, and Fackson is available from the U.S. Dept, of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Area, 1720 Peachtree Road N.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30309. 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 1980-1981 There were 26 counts reported this year, including new counts at Richmond, Morehead, Grayson, and Ashland. We are pleased with the in- creased participation; however, with our present format only 22 counts can be included in the table. Two reports arrived after the deadline and after the table had been compiled and thus are not included in the table. Also, the two counts having the smallest species totals are not included in the table but are described below. Hopefully a new format will be de- vised by next year so that all counts are included in the table. The editor expresses his appreciation to ALL participants for their participation, co- operation, and helpful comments. A total of 112 species were reported this year, which is fewer than the number reported in recent years. The warm and extremely dry autumn is reflected in the low numbers of waterfowl from many areas. The sudden and drastic drop in temperature at the beginning of the count period un- doubtedly effected the numbers and movements of birds. We apparently have fewer roosts in the area this year; Land between the Lakes, Bowling Green and Somerset were the only count areas where large numbers of roost species were reported. Each count is described below, and all points of each count lie within a 15-mile diameter circle. LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 20; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 16-21°; wind NW, 10-14 m.p.h. diminishing to 5 m.p.h. Ten observers in 5 parties. Total party hours 31 (9 on foot, 22 by car). Total party miles 522 (22 on foot, 480 by car). Total species 78; total individuals 1,504,074. After several years decline, the Starling roost at Kentucky Dam is back to almost a peak high. Dark-eyed Juncos last year were at their low- est since this count began, but this year were abundant, producing the largest number recorded. Bluebirds show a modest recovery from past winters, but Carolina Wrens are virtually gone from this area. The Osprey was observed at close range by David Berry, who has observed the species many times. — Robin Adams, David Berry, Wally Brines, Joe Erwin, Clell Peterson (compiler), Lawrence Philpot, Lou Ann Philpot, Ed Ray, Shirley Rhea, James Weatherly. MARION (center Forest Grove; habitat 40% deciduous forest, 10% coniferous forest, 40% meadows, 10% river bottoms). — Jan. 4; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky fair; temp 15-50°; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Three observers in one party. Total party hours 11 (8 on foot, 3 by car). Total party miles 80 (6 on foot, 72 by car). Total species 55; total individuals 3,811. Commercial fishermen report that the eagles and Osprey are fewer in number this year. — C. L. Frazer, James A. Frazer (compiler), Marie Frazer. HENDERSON (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 27; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 34-42°; wind NW, 0-5 m.p.h. Twelve observers in 7 parties. Total party hours 76 (45 on foot, 31 by car). Total party miles 285 (47 on foot, 238 by car). Total species 60; total in- dividuals 616,068. 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 The summer and fall periods around Henderson were so dry that many of the favorite water holes were bone dry. The other usually wet areas were so shallow that they were frozen over. Many of the cypress sloughs in the Ohio River bottoms contained great numbers of grackles; they blackened the sky at times and the trees appeared to have a full coat of black leaves. The waterfowl count was slightly lower than normal because of the lack of water. — Nancy Brown, Ben Burnley, Rod Dodson (com- piler), Jeremy Derier, Ted Grannan, Robert Jenkins, Jim Lodato, Mike McKasson, Mike Morton, Carry Nation, Joyce Owens, Steve Pitt. (Ed. note: Although not included in the table this was an excellent count and included four Bald Eagle, one Wild Turkey, and one LeConte’s Sparrow. SORGHO (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 29; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 32-45°; wind 0-15 m.p.h. Eight observers in 3 parties. Total party hours 24 (21 on foot, 3 by car). Total party miles 41 (21 on foot, 20 by car). Total species 45, total individuals 3,704. — Joe Ford (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. Ramon lies, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Powell, Thomas Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Wilson. YELVINGTON (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 31; 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky clear to cloudy; temp. 33-38°; wind 0-2 m.p.h. Six observers in 3 parties. Total party hours 15 (14 on foot, 1 by car). Total party miles 7 (5 on foot, 2 by car). Total species 42; total individuals l, 293. The sighting of nine Bluebirds was heartening. There were no water- fowl on the frozen Carpenters and Kingfisher lakes. Also absent on the entire count were meadowlarks, Hermit Thrushes, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. — Ray lies, A. L. Powell (compiler), Mildred Powell, Maudie Ray, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Wilson. MADISONVILLE (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 21; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 10-29°; wind NW 1-7 m. p.h. Five observers in 2 parties. Total party hours 14 (12 on foot, 2 by car). Total party miles 63 (8 on foot, 55 by car). Total species 52; total individuals 2,812. The Evening Grosbeaks were observed at feeders. — James W. Han- cock (compiler), Allen Morgan, Mary Travis, N. M. Travis, Mike Wells. HOPKINSVILLE (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Jan. 1; 7:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 32-35°; wind 5-10 m.p.h., inter- mittent mixed precipitation. Eight observers in 4 parties. Total party hours 25 (8 on foot, 17 by car). Total party miles 273 (6 on foot, 267 by car). Total species 51; total individuals 10,727. One large lake was nearly frozen; others were partly to mostly open. A Snow Goose came down through trees near the lake and was caught by non-birders and released later the same day. Carolina Wrens continue to be scarce. — David and Susan Chiles, Freddie and Kathy Higgins, Philip Hyatt (compiler), Simon Hyatt, Maggie and Roger Selvidge. BOWLING GREEN (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 20; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 9-24°; wind 0-12 m.p.h., ponds frozen. Ten observers in 3 parties. Total party hours 26 (18 on foot, 8 by car). Total party miles 220 (9 on foot, 211 by car). 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UJ CO X X X X < < D X ;> ^ DC 1 1 2 £ 1 “ < ^ X & w 9 LU q x X ^ n: ^ ^ 0 X X < X w o DC £ 1 5 *7 X UJ CO X o o <: CC O £ DC X < CO DL X w < z 5 o CO CO z X o o ii CO cl- III < X _ Q o > X Q £ z Indicates the species was recorded but not on the count day. 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 One large winter roost in southern Warren County was located in the count area. — Tom Burst, Dick Ferrell, Larry Holmes, Mike Jones, Pat Kafoglis, William and Ruth Mathis, Bob Oddo, H. E. Shadowen (compiler), Allen Stickley. MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK (area and habitat as des- cribed in 1980). — Dec. 21; 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 11-30°; wind NW, 0-10 m.p.h. Five observers in 2 parties. Total party hours 17 (12 on foot, 5 by car). Total party miles 51 (5 on foot, 46 by car). Total species 38; total individuals 879. This is the lowest M.C.N.P. count in several years. First creek was frozen, and only one small flock of ducks was observed. — Dick Ferrell, Mrs. James Gillenwater, Mike Jones, H. E. Shadowen (compiler), Dennis Webb. GLASGOW (area and habitat as described previously). — Jan. 1; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 30-30°; wind NW, 15 m.p.h., intermittent snow and sleet during the afternoon. Six observers in 5 parties. Total party hours 40 (25 on foot, 15 by car). Total party miles 190 (20 on foot, 170 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 4,448. Great Blue Herons and Ring-billed Gulls were up in numbers this winter. Sparrow numbers continue to be low as compared to previous years. — Mrs. James Gillenwater, Mike Jones, Wayne Mason (compiler), Mrs. Billie Moore, Dr. and Mrs. Russell Starr. OTTER CREEK PARK (area and habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 27; 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 31-27°; wind NE, 8 m.p.h., all ponds frozen, lake and river open. Twelve observers in 5 parties. Total party hours 46V2 (27V2 on foot, 19 by car). Total party miles 251V2 (29V2 on foot, 222 by car). Total species 80; total individuals 8,660. Although the sky was dark and overcast the entire day, we had our highest Christmas bird count ever for the Otter Creek Park area. The high species total — 80 — was likely due to good coverage, the large number of duck and hawk species, and the unusually mild weather up until mid- December. The following species were found in greater numbers than on any previous count: Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Blue Jay, White- breasted Nuthatch, and Red-winged Blackbird. Food and cover were only fair. Carolina Wrens were in low numbers, but much better than in recent years. Eastern Bluebirds were up slightly. Tree Sparrows were in low numbers as they have been for the past few years. Albert and Doris West- erman saw a hunter throw a bird near the Brandenberg boat ramp. They went to investigate and found the bird was a Common Loon. — Mary Bauer, Alan Barron, Bob Brown, Douglas Knopf, John Krull, Frank H. Krull, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Martha Pike, Lene Rauth, Anne L. Stamm (compiler), Doris and Albert Westerman. BERNHEIM FOREST (area and habitat as described in 1980). — - Jan. 3; 6:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp 20-42°; wind 5-25 m.p.h., some open water. Fourteen observers in 6 parties. Total party hours 46V2 (21V2 on foot, 25 by car). Total party miles 232 (17 on foot, 215 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 5,646. Good finds were the pair of Barn Owls and the Eastern Phoebe. Con- spicuous by their absence were Bobwhite, Winter Wren, Brown Thrasher, 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 and Tree Sparrow, all regularly recorded in past years. — Alan Barron, Mary Bauer, Jane and Pat Bell, Betty Boone, Alice Coomes, Wayne Dahl, Joan Noal, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Jim Pasikowski, Martha Pike, Nancy Scheldorf, Helga Schutte, L. D. Smith. LOUISVILLE (area and habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 21; 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 12-28°; wind NW, 0-5 m.p.h. Thirty observers in 14 parties. Total party hours 131 (67 on foot, 64 by car). Total party miles 579 (56 on foot, 523 by car). Total species 90; total individuals 17,051. The Surf Scoter is a first count record; two individuals have been present for over a month, with numerous observers. The Least Sandpipers are a second count record; two individuals have been present for the week preceding the count, with many observers. The Water Pipit was recorded by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., who has had two individuals on his farm for the week preceding the count. — Garrett Adams, Mrs. William Bauer, Donald Blackburn, Bob Brown, Altha Cain, Katherine Colburn, Muriel Doolittle, Katharine Fulkerson, Dennis Holding, Wilbur Jackson, Frank H. Krull, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Krull, John Krull, Burt Monroe, Jr. (compiler), Dorothy Muntan, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Donald Parker, James Pasi- kowski, Martha Pike, Robert Quaife, Lene Rauth, Judy Robertson, Virginia Rommel, Carl Schultz, Mabel Slack, L. D. Smith, Anne Stamm, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Susie (Beckham Bird Club). SHELBYVILLE (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 28; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 25-50°; wind W, 0-5 m.p.h. Two observers in 1 party. Total party hours 10 (2 on foot, 8 by car). Total party miles 140 (1 on foot, 139 by car). Total species 41; total individuals 1,513. The Canvasbacks were just a stroke of luck as my son and I observed the flock migrating together in four v-shaped wedges. — John Brown, W. H. Brown (compiler). FRANKFORT (area and habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 20; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy a.m., clear p.m.; temp 10-20°; wind NE, 0-7 m.p.h., ponds and lakes frozen. Twenty observers in 12 parties. Total party hours 55^ (36 on foot, 19 Vz by car). Total party miles 255V2 (36V2 on foot, 219 by car). Total species 69; total individuals 13,823. Eastern Bluebirds, Mockingbirds, Carolina Wrens and Bobwhites have now made substantial recoveries from recent lows. A moderate-sized black- bird roost north of Frankfort accounts for our unusual numbers of these species. The Snow Goose, an immature, migrated to the State Game Farm Lakes and has been present several weeks. Yellow-rumped Warbler and Dark-eyed Junco numbers seem up, while an absence of Swamp Sparrows is of note. The totally unexpected Blue-winged Warbler was viewed at close range by the Hankla party, (ed. note: the documentation of this species is being reviewed). — Bob Altman, W. H. Brown, W. P. Caine, Jr., Laura and Rose Canon, Peggy Derryberry, James Durell, Steve Ed- wards, Scott Hankla, Howard Jones (compiler), Lynne Mekus, Rae Mc- Entyre, Robert Morris, Lewis and Mary Pfouts, Glenn Raleigh, Lloyd Turtinen, Glenn Wells, Jim Williams, Tim Williams. KLEBER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (area and habitat as 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 described in 1972). — Jan. 3; 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; Temp. 25-38°; wind W, 5-16 m.p.h., ponds and lakes frozen. Four ob- servers in 2 parties. Total party hours 14 (8 on foot, 6 by car). Total party miles 74 (8 on foot, 66 by car). Total species 37; total individuals 1,334. Mockingbirds and Carolina Wrens have not recovered in this area. — Peggy Derryberry, Pat and Scott Hankla, Howard Jones (compiler). RICHMOND (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 3A mile north of intersection of Bobtown Road and the Kingston-Berea Road. Habitat fencerows and roadsides 40%; woodland 10%; pasture and open fields 20%; lawns 10%). — Jan. 1; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 32-34°; wind 0-13 m.p.h., occasional drizzle mixed with snow. Four observers in 2 parties. Total party hours 25 (10 on foot, 15 by car). Total party miles 103 (8 on foot, 95 by car). Total species 51; total individuals 1,926. The Black Vulture and eight of the nine Red-tailed Hawks were seen on the Lexington Bluegrass Army Depot. The aquatic species were seen on Owsley Fork Reservoir. — Bob Altman (compiler), Phil Mastrangelo, Nancy SFerra, Jeff Sole. DANVILLE (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Dec. 20; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 10-25°; wind slight, 5 m.p.h. Twenty- nine observers in 9 parties. Total party hours 45 % (18 on foot, 27 V2 by car). Total party miles 449 (18 on foot, 431 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 14,339. Six Evening Grosbeaks were observed at a feeder in Danville during the week but not on the count day. — Clarence Alcock, Ernest Baird, Doug Bronkema, Beth Bronkema, Harry Caldwell, Molly Caldwell (compiler), Margaret Caldwell, John Cheek, Annette Cheek, Ken Dickey, Neal Eklund, Ginny Eklund, Tobin Foster, Virginia Gudgel, Frank and Edna Heck, Mike Hanin, Mosele Jester, Bill Kemper, Fred and Naomi Loetcher, Linda Marsh, Les Reid, Louise Robinson, Wilbur Robinson, John Stamper, Steve Stamper. Ed. note: This was a fine count with a large number of ob- servers, but unfortunately it arrived too late to be included in the table. LEXINGTON (area and habitat as previously reported). — Dec. 27; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky cloudy in a.m. and clear in p.m.; temp. 28-35°; wind NE, 7-14 m.p.h. Thirty-three observers in 12 parties. Total party hours 94 (37 on foot, 57 by car). Total party miles 576 (27 on foot, 549 by car). Total species 81; total individuals 21,785. — Bob Altman, Roger Barbour, Robert Barker, Mary Burns, Craig Byars, Rose Canon, Dennis Coskren, Ruth Davis, Carl Ernst, Lyda Feck, Doris Ferm, Walter Johnston, Betty Maxson, Bob Morris, Glenn Raleigh, Algie Jerry and Virginia Reece, John and Dan Ruff, Peter Sebert, Elizabeth Sergent, Marie Sutton, Andy and Marie Uterhart, Sally Wasielewski, Clara Wieland, Jim Williams (compiler), Mike Williams, Jim Wood, Bill Zwartjes, Jr., Bill and Patrick Zwartjes. BURLINGTON (area and habitat as described in 1975). — Dec. 27; 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; approximately one inch of snow on ground; temp. 18-27°; wind NE, 5-10 m.p.h. Six observers in 3 parties. Total party hours 25 (12 on foot, 13 by car). Total party miles 123 (6 on foot, 117 by car). Total species 47; total individuals 1,513. 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 Noticeable by their absence were all waterfowl, Killdeer, and Field Sparrows. High numbers of American Kestrels, Blue Jays, and Dark-eyed Juncos were noted. Carolina Wrens, Eastern Bluebirds, and Mockingbirds have increased in number. The Pine Siskins and Fox Sparrow were re- corded at feeders, and the Ring-billed Gull was observed in flight along the Ohio River. — Mike Andrews, Gerri Kennedy, Laura Kob, Linda Kob, Ed Larson, Lee McNeely (compiler). MOREHEAD (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Rock Fork, Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery, Route 801 along eastern shore of Cave Run Lake, Claylick Campground, and Green Valley Acres. Habitat lake shore, some fields and forest of mixed hardwoods with some pine.) — Dec. 23; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky slightly overcast; temp. 28-42°; wind 5-10 m.p.h. Thee observers in 2 parties. Total party hours 10 (5 on foot, 5 by car). Total party miles 49 (4 on foot, 45 by car). Total species 48; total individuals 937. One immature and one adult Bald Eagle were seen during the count period but not on the count day. — Fred Busroe (compiler), Joanna Bus- roe, Albert Surmont. SOMERSET (area and habitat as described previously). — Jan. 4; 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky cloudy in a.m. and partly cloudy in p.m. Temp. 16-18°; wind NE, 10-20 m.p.h., intermittent light snow all morning. Three observers in one party. Total party hours 12 (2 on foot, 10 by car). Total party miles 145 (1 on foot, 144 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 1,501,568. It was a very cold day for the count with the wind chill factor below zero. Large groups of House Finches have been observed in the Somerset area since mid-November. The blackbird roost was still evident. — Diane L. Elmore, Jackie B. Elmore, Sr. (compiler), Donald Parker. PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL (area and habitat as described in 1980). — Jan. 4; 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast in morn- ing and gradually clearing; temp. 11-17°; wind NNW, 5-15 m.p.h., some snow during morning. Seventeen observers (11 observers in 7 parties plus six at feeders. Total party hours 64 (39 on foot, 9 by car, and 16 feeder hours). Total party miles 123 (52 on foot, 71 by car). Total species 46; total individuals 1,361. This was an exceptional count for such a miserably cold day. — Rufous Bailey, Julious Begley, Jill Benedict, Don Bradshaw, Liz Bradshaw, Mark Dalton (compiler), Afton Garrison, Garni Hamilton, Marjorie Marenberg, Scott Matthies, Dolores Nice, Francis Owens, Burton Rogers, Peter Rogers, Anne Sicilian, David Siegenthaler, Jack Whitfield. CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 3 miles due east of Meldrum, in- cluding Pineville, Middlesboro, Pine Mt. State Park, Kentucky Ridge State forest, and western sections of Cumberland Gap National Park. Habitat mesophytic forest 35%, residential 25%, reservoirs 20%, brushy clearings 10%, open fields 10%). — Jan. 3; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky overcast in a.m., mostly cloudy in p.m.; temp. 30-40°; wind NNE, 10-20 m.p.h. Seven observers in 2 parties. Total party hours 14 (10 on foot, 4 by car). Total party miles 51 (12 on foot, 39 by car). Total species 39; total individuals 872. 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 This year’s count was conducted in an area slightly different from past counts in order to include a greater variety of habitat and easily accessible public land. This was the first time the American Kestrel, Evening Gros- beak, and Common Goldeneye were observed on this count. Other notable features of this year’s count include an increase in the number of Carolina Wrens and a marked decrease in Dark-eyed Juncos. — Ell wood Carr, Richard Cassell, Dorothy and Ross Chasteen, Maisie Hoskins, Barry Howard (compiler), Bill Taylor. GRAYSON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Grayson Lake Dam. Habitat woodlands, open field, stream and lakeside. — Jan. 3; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 32-40°; wind gusting to 10 m.p.h. Two observers in one party. Total party hours 6 (5 on foot, 1 by car). Total party miles 5 (2 on foot, 3 by car). Total species 21; total in- dividuals 255. The day was very damp and dismal. — James and Martha McCormick. Ed. note: This is the first time this count has been conducted. Although there were no unusual species recorded, the 45 Canada Geese and 61 Mal- lards are noteworthy. ASHLAND (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Ash- land Oil headquarters building. Habitat wooded area, open fields, and along the Ohio River). — Jan. 4; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear; 9-15°; wind 2-10 m.p.h. One observer in one party. Total party hours 8 ( 6V2 on foot, IV2 by car). Total party miles 17 (5 on foot, 12 by car). Total species 33; total individuals 283. — Debra Hausrath (compiler). Ed. Note: This is another area which is being covered for the first time this year and an area for which we have very little ornithological information. Thus, this count is greatly appreciated, and hopefully others will participate on this count in future years. — H. E. SHADOWEN, Biology Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, 42101. THE FALL MIGRATION SEASON, 1980 Anne L. Stamm The fall season of 1980 was very dry and very warm. The extreme heat from the summer carried over into September, with temperatures above normal. In the central part of the state the temperature ranged from 90 to 98 degrees on 21 days in August and 90 degrees or above on 10 days in September. Record highs were noted on October 10 and Novem- ber 7, with 89 and 79 respectively. The first significant cold front occurred on October 26, but the coldest weather did not arrive until November 19, with a low of 25 degrees. As a result of this weather pattern the heavy flights of geese and ducks were delayed. The hawk migration was apparently widespread, with no big concen- trations. Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles brought excitement to ob- servers: the number of the latter species at Dale Hollow Lake was en- couraging. 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 Shorebird migration was only fair ; the White-rumped Sandpiper, Avocet and Wilson’s Phalarope were some of the more uncommon species reported. In some locations warbler migration was rated as good and in others only fair; they were pretty much on time, with a few species ahead of schedule. Observers are always interested in seeing northern finches and a few arrived in late November over much of the state. Winter resident sparrows were unusually late in arriving — at least in normal numbers. Below are other highlights of the season. Loons through Cormorants — • The loon migration was not as spectacular as in recent years. However, a few Common Loons were sighted in various locations from Louisville to Wolf Creek Dam. Horned Grebe were recorded in fair numbers, with one especially early at Kentucky Lake, September 24 (JEr) ; and 76 as the maximum reported at Louisville, No- vember 18 (LR). Few Pied-billed Grebe were mentioned, but 14 were ob- served at McNeely Lake, Jefferson County, October 29 (DP). Double- crested Cormorants were reported by various observers at the Falls of the Ohio from September 19 (AB) to November 29 (DP), with a maximum of eight, October 18 (AB) ; one to two at Fugett Creek and Licking River area, September 23; at Buck Creek and Beaver Creek, September 28 (AS) and at Clay Lick Campground, Cave Run Lake, Rowan County, October 3 (FB). Heron through Ibis — Great Blue Heron were found in greater num- bers than in previous seasons and were common from western Kentucky to Cumberland Falls State Park; 50 were seen in a 13-mile stretch along Barkley Lake, September 23 (LoS) ; 17 at Lentz’s Pond, September 8 (JK) ; 10 at Cadiz, mid-September (IK, WK) ; and 22 at Fishing Creek, Pulaski County, November 22 (JE1). Green Heron were not common, but 25 were observed at the Louisville Water Company basins, August 21 (JK) ; and 14 at Kentucky Lake, August 30 (JEr). Three reports of Little Blue Heron received: one immature at Kentucky Lake, August 25 (JEr); one at Falls of the Ohio (age not given) September 18 (AB) ; 12 adults and six immatures along Barkley Lake, September 23 (LoS, fide IK). Two Great Egrets at East Bend Bottoms of the Ohio River, Boone County, Sep- tember 26, were the only ones reported (LMc). Black-crowned Night Heron were scarcely mentioned: “a few” at the Louisville Water Company basins, August 23 (JK) and four immatures at the Falls of the Ohio, October 8 (LR). (There has been some decline in the Black-crowned Night Heron in some sections of the state and we need your observation to give us a clear picture of its current status statewide.) An immature White Ibis was a pleasant surprise when encountered at Kentucky Lake, Calloway County, August 30 (JEr). Waterfowl — The waterfowl migration was late and rather light. A few Canada Geese (350) arrived in western Kentucky on September 29 at Ballard Waterfowl Management Area (hereafter BWMA), and the pop- ulation built up slowly until mid-October when 5000 were counted, but by November 17 a total of 13,000 was present (TY). In the central part of the state Canada Geese were not reported until October 9 and November 5 20 THE KENTUCKY WAKBLESt Vol. 57 when 75 and 100 were seen (Harry Singer, fide WJ). Snow Geese were also late in arriving: 24 were recorded at BWMA on October 3, 400 on October 14, 2000 on October 31, and 4000 on November 17 (TY) ; a single bird in the blue phase was seen near the Louisville Water Company basins on November 15 (VR) and again the following day (BBC). Although the majority of ducks did not arrive until late October and late November, a few species were earlier than usual at Danville: three Redheads and a few Ring-necked on October 25 (FL). Also, two Black Ducks were rather early at Louisville, August 30 (MS). Some migration was evident when 30 plus Wood Ducks were seen on a small lake in Somerset, Pulaski County, No- vember 12 (JE1). Two reports of the rare Surf Scoter were of special interest: two birds at the Falls of the Ohio on November 16 and observed there occasionally throughout the period (AB & Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., m. ob) ; one at McNeely Lake, Jefferson County, October 28 (DP). Hooded Mergansers were recorded at both Danville and Louisville and the Com- mon Merganser at Dale Hollow Lake. Vulture through Falcons — Turkey Vultures were found in fair num- bers between October 5 and 9 in most areas and were probably in mi- gration: 15 in Westport area, Oldham County (BM et al) ; 17 from Mid- dletown to Corbin (ALS, FS) ; 11 at Cumberland Gap National Park, Bell County (ALS, FS) ; and 12 from Barbourville to Simpsonville (ALS, FS). A later observation included 10 in Prospect, Jefferson County, November 28 (JK). The eight Black Vultures at Cumberland Gap National Park, October 7 were noteworthy (ALS, FS) ; a similar number was seen in Wayne County, November 9 (JE1). Five Mississippi Kites were seen at Hickman, Fulton County, August 23 (AB, with B. Palmer-Ball, Jr. & Alan Temple) ; but the 13 flying south about 15 miles below Cadiz, Trigg Coun- ty, September 5, was exceptional (IK, WK). An adult Goshawk at Cum- berland Gap National Park, October 7 was unexpected and established an early record for Kentucky; all details were observed as it flew just above the trees (ALS, FS). One to three Sharp-shinned Hawks were recorded from September 14 to November 15 at four locations: Westport (BM et al), Pulaski County Park (JE1), Prospect (JK), and Mount Vernon (AR) ; some migration was evident on September 28 when 10 were seen in Menifee County (WHB, Glen Wells, Bob Morris) ; and five on October 7 and 11 on October 8 in Bell County (ALS, FS). One to two Cooper’s Hawks were found during the season in the following counties: Boone (LMc), Jeffer- son (JK, JE1), Grayson (KC), Oldham (BM, JK), Pulaski (JE1), and Rockcastle (AR) ; six were noted in Menifee County, September 28 (WHB et al) and eight in Bell County, October 8 (ALS, FS). Red-tailed Hawks were considered “normal” at Danville and fair numbers were recorded in western Kentucky (LoS) and eastern Kentucky (WHB). With the excep- tion of several pair of Red-shouldered Hawks near Kentucky Lake (JEr), only singles were reported from Pulaski County Park (JE1), Harrodsburg (JE1), Lexington, and Cumberland Gap National Park (ALS, FS). The only migration of Broad-winged Hawks reported was from Cadiz where 100 or more were seen (previously published). The last week of November brought the Rough-legged Hawks in both color phases to central Kentucky. Bald Eagles arrived and were widespread across Kentucky: one immature over Cumberland River in Whitley and McCreary Counties, September 13 (WHB et al) ; one at Barkley Lake, September 23 (LoS, fide IK) ; two adults at Shippingport, September 26 (LR) ; an adult at Beaver Creek, 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Cumberland Lake, November 2 (W. Bartley) ; and adult at Hays Kennedy Park ( fide BM) ; adult at Berea Reservoir on November 7 and 8 was con- sidered unusual (RA) ; adult at Cumberland Point Recreational Area, No- vember 9( JE1) ; two adults, first noted at Wolf Creek Dam, November 17 (Greg Pratschner, fide JE1) ; and the surprising number of 17 or 18 (four of them immatures) at Dale Hollow Lake (RS et al). One or two Marsh Hawks reported from the following counties: Bell (ALS), Christian (PH), Jefferson (DP, JR), Oldham (JK), Pulaski (JE1), and Shelby (WHB). Ospreys were fairly widespread, but in small numbers, from Kentucky Lake, where the earliest sighting was recorded, August 26 (JEr) to Wayne (JE1) and Menifee Counties in the eastern section of the state (WHB). Most encouraging were the sighting of Peregrine Falcons: one in Brown’s Branch, Johnson County, August 17 (LSh) ; one at Falls of the Ohio, October 3) (LR et al.) ; one on a KOS field trip led by Pierre Allaire in Menifee County, September 27 and one the following day near the same area (WHB, et al). The former two records were documented. A Merlin on Indian Creek, north of Red River, in Powell County, September 28, was documented (WHB). A Kestral swooped down at a feeding station at Fort Wright and captured a House Sparrow, October 28 (EG). Cranes through Coots — Sandhill Cranes were first sighted migrating over Wolf Creek Dam, November 17 (G. Practschner, fide JE1), but five days later migration was in full swing and widespread: 30 at Danville (FL) ; 60 over Frankfort (Mex Medley et al, fide BM) ; 300 over Louis- ville — birds in two flocks of 150 each (JR, Jane Bell et al) ; 20 near Versailles (VR) ; and 15 over Audubon Park (fide VR). Two Virginia Rail were present at Louisville: one September 7 (AB) ; and one November 8 (BBC). A single Sora at Camp Ernst, Boone County, September 13, was the only one reported (LMc). An immature Common Gallinule, a rare transient here, was seen at McNeely Lake, Jefferson County, October 22 (DP). Shorebirds — Shorebird migration was fair, no early arrivals or large concentrations. However, a few interesting sightings were recorded. During the heigh th of shorebird migration the Falls of the Ohio were not always accessible and the birds were spread out over a wide area. Few Semipal- mated Plovers were reported but were present from August 7 through September 24, at the Falls of the Ohio, with 12 as the highest number there on September 12 (AB). No reports of the Piping Plover were received. The American Golden Plover was reported only from the Falls of the Ohio, with one to three birds there from September 6 through 20 (AB, LR), and one on October 25 (AB). The flock of 22 Black-bellied Plover at Kentucky Lake on October 20 was of special interest (JEr). Ruddy Turnstones made their usual appearance at the Falls of the Ohio on September 20 (AB) and 21 (LR). A Spotted Sandpiper at Fishing Creek, Pulaski County on No- vember 5, tied the state late record (JE1). Both the Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were reported from various locations, but in small numbers. The rare White-rumped Sandpiper was feeding at a pond in southern Jefferson County, September 3 (DP). One to two Baird’s Sandpipers were carefully checked at the Frankfort Fish Hatchery from August 31 to Sep- tember 7 (DC) ; five at the General Electric Pond, August 31 (DP) ; a few at the Falls of the Ohio from September 14 to 23, with five as the highest count on the former date (AB). A Least Sandpiper remained from 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 September 4 through the season at Crescent Hill Reservoir (AB). One to five Dunlin were present at the following locations: Falls of the Ohio (AB) ; Simpsonville (ALS) ; East Bend Bottoms, Boone County (LMc) ; Crescent Hill Reservoir (AB) ; and Danville (FL). A single Short-billed Dowitcher at Lentz’s Pond, Jefferson County, August 31, was the only one reported (AB, with Alan Temple). Stilt Sandpipers were only recorded at Louisville, with two each at Crescent Hill Reservoir (LR) and at the Falls of the Ohio (AB). Buff-breasted Sandpipers were in low numbers but fairly widespread: one at Kentucky Lake, August 26-30 (JEr) ; two at Crescent Hill Reservoir, August 30 (AB, BBC) ; one at Wave Rock, Louisville, September 4 (LR) ; one at Pulaski County Park, September 17, may be the first record for that section of the state (JE1). Sanderlings arrived later than normal: two at Kentucky Lake, August 26 (JEr) ; also at Falls of the Ohio from September 6 through 23 (AB, LR), with the highest count of 30 on September 14 (AB). An American Avocet, uncom- mon here, was present in Louisville at a pond off the National Turnpike, August 31 ; one later from September 1-6 at the General Electric pond and possibly the same bird (DP). Two Wilson’s Phalarope, rare transients here, were feeding at the Frankfort Fish Hatchery, August 13 (AB et al) ; one there August 23, possibly same bird (DC) ; and one at Crescent Hill Reservoir, August 30 (BBC) and on 31 (AB). Gulls and Terns — Gulls seemed to arrive later than usual but good numbers were at the Falls of the Ohio on November 30 (DS) and “mod- erate numbers of Ring-billed” at Dale Hollow Lake, November 30 (RS). Either terns were scarce or observers failed to report them. Two Least Terns and 11 Caspian Terns were present at Kentucky Lake August 30 (JEr) and the latter species was at the Falls of the Ohio from September 6 to 23, with five as the maximum number on the latter date (AB). A single Black Tern was reported at Kentucky Lake on August 30 (JEr). Cuckoos through Chimney Swifts — A Yellow-billed Cuckoo on Oc- tober 20 in Oldham County was a fairly late straggler (ALS). The call of the Whip-poor-will is seldom heard late in the fall, but one made its pres- ence known on September 6 near Pilot Rock, Christian County (PH). Com- mon Nighthawk migration was noted from August 19 through September 4, with small flocks of 50 to 100 at the following locations: Burlington (LMc), University of Louisville Campus (RB), and Fishing Creek (JE1). Migratory flights of 100 or more Chimney Swifts were seen over a small lake at Somerset, October 1 (JE1) and a similar number entering a chimney at Bates Elementary School at Fern Creek, October 5 (LSa). Flycatchers through Wrens — Single Olive-sided Flycatchers were re- ported at Creason Park, August 22 (JE1) and at Danville, September 6 (FL). Migration of the Tree Swollow was noted over Fishing Creek when 400 plus were counted on September 4-5 (JE1) ; small flocks totaling 39 birds were found the morning of October 5 at Westport (BBC). Common Crows tend to flock in the fall, and 300 were moving at Mount Vernon, Rockcastle County, October 27 (AR). Red-breasted Nuthatches arrived on schedule and were recorded at Somerset, September 12 (JE1) and were fairly widespread from Kenton County to Boyle and Russell Counties in southeastern Kentucky. The Brown Creeper at Creason Park, August 23, was exceptional — almost a month earlier than previous Kentucky records 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 (JE1). Carolina Wrens were up somewhat from the past few years and are making a slow comeback. Both the Long-billed and Short-billed Marsh Wrens were seen at Louisville Water Company fields, October 18 (DP). An interesting record of the Long-billed was found at Camp Ernst, near Burlington, September 23 (LMc). The two Short-billed Marsh Wrens on August 7 at Goshen may have been nesting there (AB). Mockingbirds through Shrikes — Mockingbirds seemed to be doing better at Danville (FL) and at Louisville (ALS), but appeared scarce in Kenton County (LMc). American Robins were in good numbers and one was heard singing “in almost full voice” in Lexington, November 19 (FL). There was a slight increase in the number of Eastern Bluebirds in most areas and it was encouraging to find 13 on a telephone wire at Mount Vernon, October 19 (AR). Both species of kinglets were considered com- mon in Boone County during October (LMc), but the Golden-crowned at Danville was the first there in two years, while the Ruby-crowned was reported as about normal (FL). The three Water Pipits at Fishing Creek on November 5 were of interest (JE1). Flocks of Cedar Waxwings were not unusual from early September until mid-November in northern Kentucky (Boone and Kenton Counties) (LMc, EG) and good numbers were found in Danville (FL) and at Falls of Rough (KC). One to two Loggerhead Shrikes were recorded at four locations: Westport (BBC); New Castle (AB) ; Prospect (JK) ; and Danville (FL). Vireos and Warblers — Philadelphia Vireos were sighted in September on Beckham Bird Club field trips. A Warbling Vireo at the Horner Sanc- tuary, Oldham County, October 10, was a late straggler (AB). Despite the warm and mild fall some warblers arrived on schedule and some species were even a bit earlier than usual. There was considerable warbler activity in the Louisville area on August 23-25 and at Mount Vernon on August 28, with such species as Tennessee, Nashville, Blackburnian, Canada and Am- erican Redstart (ALS, AR), while at Kentucky Lake it was “spectacular” on September 28 (JEr) and particularly “good in both variety of species and number of birds” at Burlington, September 26 (LMc). The more inter- esting records submitted were: a Golden-winged Warbler at Creason Park, August 23, early for the Louisville area (JE1) and large numbers on September 28 at Kentucky Lake (JEr) ; a Brewster’s at Fort Wright, September 23 (EG) ; two Orange-crowned on October 10 at Horner’s Sanc- tuary, Oldham County (AB) and one on October 16 at Burlington (LMc) ; thirty Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers, September 24 at the Falls of the Ohio (BBC) ; a Chestnut-sided on August 23 at Creason Park, early for the area (JE1) ; fifty Bay-breasted on September 20 at Iroquois Park, Louisville (BBC) and a Wilson’s Warbler on August 23, early for the Louisville area (JE1). Fairly late departures were: Tennessee at Burling- ton, November 1 (LMc) ; Palm at Danville, November 28 (FL) ; and an Ovenbird at Fort Wright, October 10 (EG). Icteridae, Fringillidae — Large concentrations or roosts of blackbirds were reported at two locations: 1,000,000 birds in south Louisville. Novem- ber 3-22, with only 50,000 on the latter date and consisted of 60% Com- mon Grackles, 25% Starlings, 10% Red -winged and 5% Brown-headed Cowbirds (DP) ; and an estimated 1,000,000 Common Grackles and Star- lings at Somerset during the month of October (JE1). Other high blackbird counts were: 50,000 Red-winged in a swampy area near the Ohio River at 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 Louisville, August 21 (JK) ; and 15,000 Common Grackles in east Louisville, October 24 (FS). Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were first reported on Septem- ber 19 in the Louisville area (ALS) ; common at Westport, October 5 (BBC) and at Mount Vernon, October 9 (AR). Only two reports of the Blue Grosbeak received: three at Somerset, August 27 (JE1) and one at Louis- ville, September 10 ( AB). Two immature Indigo Bunting were still present at Prospect, October 18 (DP). Evening Grosbeaks arrived in small num- bers at the following locations: Mount Vernon, November 10-December 3 (AR) ; Valley Station, November 18 (DS) ; Big Pond Sanctuary, Falls of Rough, November 23 (KC). The species apparently moved farther south as none were reported during late December. An early date for the Purple Finch was established at Fort Wright on September 20 (EG) ; but were represented by small numbers, with the exception at Falls of Rough, where a maximum of 50 was reported in late November (KC). House Finches were reported at three locations: one at Louisville, October 24 (AB) ; daily at Somerset from November 4-December, with a maximum of 48 (JE1) and three at Mount Vernon during the period (no date given — AR). Pine Siskins were late in arriving and few had been reported at the end of the period: three at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, October 25 (AB) ; one at Pilot Rock, Christian County, November 1 (PH) ; and 10 at a feeder in Prospect, November 27 (JK). Good numbers of American Goldfinch were reported at Pilot Rock, November 1 (PH) ; an adult observed feeding fledg- lings at Cumberland Falls, September 14 (WHB). A LeConte’s Sparrow on the Surrey Hill Farm, Louisville, October 22, was a noteworthy find (AB, B. Palmer-Ball, Jr.) as was the one (documented) near the Ohio River, below the Louisville Water Company, November 29 (DP). No Vesper Sparrows were seen at Danville and the species seems “to be getting scarcer every year” (FL). Slate-colored Juncos were scarce at Danville (FL) and at Louisville (ALS). White-crowned Sparrows were not recorded at Danville (FL), and few were seen in northeast Louisville (ALS). White- throated Sparrows arrived later than usual. A Lapland Longspur was early — November 16 — at the Falls of the Ohio (AB, with B. Palmer-Ball, Jr.). Reports for the Winter Season (December through February) should reach the writer by March 7, 1981. Thanks, all of you, for contributing your notes and making this report possible. Contributors — Pierre Allaire, Robert Altman (RA), Alan Barron (AB), Robert Brown (RB), W. H. Brown (WHB), Fred Busroe (FB), Kathryn Clay (KC), Dennis Coskren (DC), Jackie Elmore (JE1), Joe T. Erwin (JEr), Ed Groneman (EG), Phillip Hyatt (PH), Wilbur Jackson (WJ), Irene Kemper (IK), Wesley Kemper (WK), John Krull (JK), Frederick Loetscher (FL), Lee McNeely (LMc), Burt L. Monroe, Jr. (BM), Donald Parker (DP), Anne Ramsay (AR), Lene Rauth (LR), Judy Robertson (JR), Virginia Rommel (VR), Linda Salmon (LSa), Larry Short (LSh), Mabel Slack (MS), Anne L. Stamm (ALS), Frederick W. Stamm (FS), Russell Starr (RS), Louise Stoltz (LoS), Donald Summer- field (DS), Albert Surmont, Jr. (AS), John Young, Tom Young (TY), Other abbreviations: Beckham Bird Club (BBC), many observers (m.ob.). — 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Ky. 40222. 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 BOOK REVIEW BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE, by Michael Lee Bierly. 1980. Published by and available from the author, 3825 Bedford Ave., Nash- ville, Tenn. 37215. 225 pp. with 85 sketch maps and 5 photos. $8.00 paper- bound, ppd. About 200 pages of this well-organized book describe 112 birding areas throughout Tennessee. Clear, adequately detailed maps are accompanied by directions where to look for selected species characteristic of each area. For example, in season, at Reelfoot Lake this guide would help you find Mississippi Kites and Swainson’s Warblers, in the Great Smokies (with luck) a Saw- whet Owl, and “in the heart of Chattanooga” nesting Least Bitterns and King Rails! A useful feature is the annotated, unofficial list of 342 species of Tennessee birds. For each, abundance, breeding status, and approximate season of occurrence are usually indicated, while occasionally pointers on identification are thrown in for good measure. Throughout the book, com- mon names, only, are used. A “Birder’s Directory” lists the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of several dozen Tennesseans who have presumably volunteered to assist visiting bird-finders. Bierly admonishes users of this service to “Remember your bird etiquette. Call at a reasonable hour.” Information about the Tennessee Ornithological Society and its numer- ous local chapters is another helpful feature of this well-written, well- edited, and well-indexed guide. Though devoid of colored illustrations and therefore not to be com- pared in attractiveness with “Kentucky Birds, A Finding Guide,” by Bar- bour, Peterson, Rust, Shadowen and Whitt, I find nothing whatever to criticize in “Bird Finding in Tennessee” and recommend it to KOS members planning to go birding in our neighboring state. — F. W. LOETSCHER, JR., 2064 Cardinal Drive, Danville, Ky. 40422. FIELD NOTES HAWK PURSUIT OF A KINGFISHER While participating in the Frankfort, Kentucky, mid-winter bird count on December 20, 1980, the following observation was made. At 4:00 p.m. on Benson Creek in Franklin County, 2.2 miles west of the Kentucky River I noticed a large bird diving toward the water. There was a splash, and the bird veered away from the water. I then identified the large bird as a Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii). The splash had been made by a pur- sued Belted Kingfisher ( Megaceryle alcyon). The Kingfisher then came out of the water and the Cooper’s Hawk closed again; just before seizure the Kingfisher again dived into the water escaping and the hawk again veered away from the water. The Kingfisher came out of the water again and flew directly toward my truck into thick brush piles along the creek and escaped as the hawk flew away from the truck to a perch across the creek. The hawk finally flew off in about twenty minutes, but the King- fisher would not budge from the brush piles even though I walked down to the bank and tried to locate it. — W. H. BROWN, 527% Main Street, Shelbyville, 40065. 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 PARTIAL ALBINISM IN JEFFERSON COUNTY HOUSE SPARROWS Many cases of albinism in the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) have been reported (Bumpus, 1898; Calhoun, 1947; Ross, 1963; Sage, 1963; Gross, 1965). While “complete albinism,” the total lack of pigmentation, is the most easily recognized form, the most common is “partial albinism.” This would include the absence of pigment from even a part of a single feather. Selander and Johnston (1967) sampled 2,271 House Sparrows of which 4.6% lacked pigment in at least one feather. Of these 1.89% were termed “conspicuous” albinos because they lacked pigment in one or more remiges or rectrices, or at least two contour feathers. Their sample con- tained no complete albinos. No estimate of the incidence of complete al- binism is available, but it is undoubtedly extremely small. While complete albinism has been shown to have a genetic basis, al- binism in birds has also been shown to have a variety of environmental causes, including disease, injury, and diet (Rollin, 1959; Sage, 1962). Con- sequently, partial albinism has been of little interest in genetic studies. On July 2, 1979, in conjunction with the Louisville- Jefferson County Health Department’s St. Louis Encephalitis surveillance program, two partial albino juvenile House Sparrows were captured. They lacked pig- ment in all but the tips of the primaries and secondaries and to a lesser extent in the tail feathers and major wing coverts. In one of these albino birds, the pigment was not reduced to the same degree that it was in the other. Another bird like this intermediate form was captured in late July at a site several miles from the site of capture of these two specimens. Since the probability of an environmental factor causing precisely the same pattern of albinism in three different individuals is very low, it seems likely that this form of albinism may have a genetic basis. The pattern of albinism in these is also very interesting. Notice the sharp band on the tailfeathers in the accompaning photograph. This pattern is reminiscent of several species in several families which display wing patches and tail patches of the same contrasting color; for example, the Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius excubitor), and American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). This may suggest that there is a genetic linkage between the development of pigmentation in the remiges and retrices. If this were the case, a single point mutation could be postulated as the source of this pattern of albinism. It may also be noteworthy that the differential expression of this pattern among individuals is like that which one would expect in a system of incomplete or differential dominance. LITERATURE CITED Bumpus, H. C. 1898. The variations and mutation of the introduced Spar- row, Passer domesticus. Biol. Lect. Marine Biol. Lab. Woods Hole, pp. 1-15. Calhoun, J. B. 1947. Variations in the plumage of English Sparrows. Auk, 64: 305-306. 1981 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 Gross, A. D. 1965. The incidence of albinism in North American birds. Bird-Banding, 36: 67-71. Rollin, N. 1959. White plumage in Blackbirds. Bull. Brit. Ornithol. Club, 79: 92-96. Ross, C. C. 1963. Albinism among North American birds. Cassinia, 47: 2-21. Sage, B. L. 1962. Albinism and melanism in birds. Britt. Birds, 56: 409-416. Selander, R. K. and R. F. Johnston. 1967. Evolution in the House Sparrow. I. Intrapopulation variation in N. America. Condor, 69: 217-258. — BRIAN D. ANDERSON, Biology Dept., University of Louisville, Ky. 40208. ALBINISTSC STARLING IN KENTUCKY Allaire in his excellent summary of the occurrence of albinistic species reported in Kentucky ( Kentucky Warbler 53(1):13-16, 1977) did not in- clude the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), An imperfect albino Starling was ob- served in Warren County several times during the winter of 1979. This particular bird was captured February 12, 1979 in a large (IO’xSO’xS*) decoy trap operated by the Kentucky Research Station, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This trap, located just south of Bowling Green, is operated during the winter months as part of ongoing research in black- bird and starling ecology and the man-bird conflicts associated with these species. AN M5JITUJIPN 3 9088 00997 2894 28 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 57 This imperfect albino was a male with plumage ranging from off-white to dirty yellow and faded brown. The limited iridescence on the throat hackles made aging impractical. Alar and caudal tract feathers contained the least pigmentation with coloration grading from off-white in the outer primaries and rectrices to a washed-out brown in the scapulars and body feathers. A degree of mottling (typical of winter plumage) was retained in the head and neck regions. Eye and bill coloration were normal. As little significance was attached to this individual when captured, weights, measurements, and precise coloration patterns were not noted. These observations, however, document an additional albinistic species in Kentucky. — DANIEL J. TWEDT, Kentucky Research Station, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 334 15th Street, Bowling Green, 42101. NEWS AND VIEWS During the spring of 1980 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. of Louisville contacted several individuals concerning a spring bird count by counties. His efforts resulted in counts in 21 counties. Some of the counts repre- sented fine efforts, but others were marginal and many counties were not represented at all. Brainard is interested in continuing the spring count in 1981 and has requested that anyone interested in participating contact him at 8207, Old Westport Road, Louisville, 40222. The date for the count is May 9. This is not a K.O.S. project; the editorial board has concluded that due to increased printing cost it is not feasible to publish the results of the spring count in the Kentucky Warbler. Those who are interested are encouraged to participate. Due to an oversight by the editor, the November 1980 issue failed to contain the names of the fall K.O.S. participants from Owensboro. Those attending the meeting included Mr. and Mrs. George Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Ray lies, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Thacker, Mrs. Emogene Lashbrook, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Powell, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Wilson, and Mrs. I. A. Obryan. IN MEMORIAM Mr. Louis Pieper